Free Skyscrapers & Camelot (Renovate Book 1) by Mindy Carter

silence was in our interview,” I admit to her.
    She looks at me with understanding, gives my shoulder a squeeze, and then says, “You know what I would do if I was you?” She doesn’t wait for an answer. “Show him what he’s missed out on all these years. Aimee, you deserve so much more, so let loose and enjoy yourself. You should be proud of yourself and what you have accomplished.”
    As she walks away, I catch a glimpse of Reese and head in her direction.
    “Are you all right?” she asks as I reach her.
    “I will be,” I reply.
    I will spill out my heart to her later, but this is not the time or place.
    “Kaleb left to get us drinks. Did you want anything?”
    “No, I’m good. That handsome bartender already made me a couple potent cocktails.” I point to the direction of the bar which is now crowded with party goers.
    “Did you talk with Keegan?” she asks.
    I shake my head, and it is enough confirmation to tell her to drop the subject.
    Thankfully, Kaleb chooses that moment to arrive and hand over a glass of wine to Reese. Then he drapes his arm around his date and smiles at me.
    “Can I get you anything?” he asks.
    “No, thank you. I think I’m going to walk the room and greet a few people,” I reply.
    As I see several people I know, quite a few congratulate me in passing on my article, which puts me in a better mood.
    Suddenly, I’m parched, so I head to the bar for a water. I’m just taking a sip of the refreshing ice water when Keegan appears in front of me by himself.
    “Water?” he questions.
    “It would appear so,” I answer, pursing my lips.
    He looks at me like he wants to say something, but holds back.
    “Is there a reason you are avoiding me?” he finally asks.
    “Excuse me?” I question.
    “You’re avoiding me, and I want to know why.”
    “I’m not avoiding you, just enjoying the party,” I lie.
    “You look like you’re having a ball with your water.”
    “Don’t you have a date to get back to? I’m sure you would rather annoy her.”
    When he laughs at me, I start to get even angrier with him. Why can’t he ignore me like he’s done the past eight years? I was fine before he came back into my life. I want to return to my mundane, Keegan-less existence.
    “Do you mean Gretchen? You know she’s my assistant, and she attends these things with me from time to time.”
    I look at him, dumbfounded. “You’re kidding, right?”
    “No, we’re just friends, actually have been since college.”
    Did he say since college? What the what ?
    “Since you two are such great friends, then you don’t need me, do you?” I bark at him.
    “Aimee, I’ve needed you since the day we met. You should realize that by now.”
    “Wow, what a load of crap. I’m not playing these games with you, Keegan. I’m not a child anymore, and I know exactly what this is.” I wave my hands between us. “Why couldn’t you just leave me alone? You left me , Keegan, without an explanation. It’s been eight years, and suddenly you need me? Where were you when I needed you ? I’m not the girl I was before you left. I’m stronger, and you know what? I. Don’t. Need. You. So do me a favor and pretend I don’t exist. You’ve had plenty of practice, so I’m sure it won’t be too hard.” By the time I finish, my breathing is hard, and he’s staring at me with what I would swear is a hint of desire in his blue eyes.
    “There’s that fire I’ve missed.”
    I let out a laugh. “If you’ll excuse me, the air in here is stifling.”
    With that, I turn and walk toward a set of French doors that lead to the outside terrace, my breathing fast and my body trembling from the confrontation.
    I hear footsteps behind me and know he has followed so without turning to face him, I ask, “Why can’t you just leave me alone?”
    “I’m sorry, but I can’t, Aimee. I want to fix this between us.”
    “You have ignored me all week. I get that your busy and important and all—”
    “You think